At UA, you’ll always have someone in your corner.

Through real stories from students and their mentors, MentorZip highlights the support network that makes UA a place where every Zip thrives — whether it’s a professor igniting a passion for research or an upperclassman helping a first-year student find their path.

Be inspired as we showcase impactful mentorship stories that prove one thing. Here, success isn’t a solo journey — it's powered by mentorship, guidance and a community that truly cares.

When senior Miranda Brainard first joined the University of Akron’s (UA) biology program, she never imagined she’d become a published researcher so early in her college career. A naturally curious student eager to get hands-on research experience while pursuing a dual degree in biology and statistics, Brainard found herself in Professor Rich Londraville’s lab and now has three academic journal articles to her name.

But Brainard’s biggest impact may be as a mentor, guiding fellow undergraduate students who are just as inquisitive as her.

As a peer mentor in the Department of Biology’s Tiered Mentoring program, Brainard is not only sharpening her own skills but also shaping the experiences of three students who were once in her shoes. The program pairs undergraduate students with upperclassmen to get hands-on research opportunities while exploring their academic and career interests.

As a peer mentor in the Department of Biology’s Tiered Mentoring program, Miranda Brainard (center) is honing her own scientific skills while guiding fellow students through hands-on research. This program connects undergraduates with experienced upperclassmen, providing invaluable opportunities to explore research, refine techniques, and navigate academic and career paths together.

“In the lab, Dr. Londraville doesn’t just give me answers; he encourages me to seek them myself,” said Brainard. “This approach shaped my growth over four years, leading to three publications and an incredible research experience.”

For Brainard, she’s been able to see firsthand how mentorship extends beyond academics, building a supportive community that helps students thrive as she is now a leader in the lab.

Finding their footing

Biomedical science major Chelsea Kalb, a first-generation college student, has always been fascinated by how biology operates at a microscopic level.

But working in a university lab for the first time was daunting. She wasn’t sure how to balance coursework with research or how to navigate career opportunities. That’s where Brainard stepped in to guide her through the complexities of lab work and research design.

“Having a mentor is very helpful,” said Kalb, now in her third year. “It makes the learning experience more connected because Miranda is still an undergraduate student like us.”

For their roles in acorn ant research, Rowland Okafor and Chelsea Kalb take a close-up look at these tiny creatures and capture data for analysis.

Rowland Okafor, a sophomore studying biomedical science, also felt anxious, but in a different way. He always knew he wanted to go to medical school, but he wasn’t sure how to integrate research into his long-term goals.

So, he began applying for outside research opportunities and with Brainard’s help, began gaining experience in the lab and developing a deeper understanding of how research and medicine intersect.

"I really like working in a lab with peer mentoring because it makes me feel like part of a family,” said Okafor. “I’m more than my major — I’m not just locked in my room studying. It’s a great experience to be part of because I get to learn beyond what the average person takes away from a lecture.”

Neha Patel’s journey adds yet another layer to the mentorship dynamic.

Her passion for pursuing a bachelor’s in biology stems from both personal experiences and a deep curiosity about the natural world. Diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease, Patel became fascinated by medicine and genetics, eager to understand the science behind treatments and patient care.

“Having a peer mentor in the Tiered Mentoring program has been incredibly valuable because it provides a sense of guidance and reassurance,” said Patel, a sophomore. “Navigating rigorous science courses and research opportunities can be overwhelming, but having someone who has been in my shoes makes the journey more manageable.”

A reliable support system

What makes UA’s Tiered Mentoring program unique is the way it fosters building confidence, asking the right questions and forming relationships that make college feel like home.

“I go to Miranda for information and insights on applying to physician assistant programs since she recently went through the process herself,” said Kalb.

For Okafor, the impact of mentorship has been just as profound.

“Miranda is like a friend I can go to whenever I have questions,” he said. “She doesn’t just give me answers — she helps me think through problems, which has made me a better student and researcher.”

Patel echoes these sentiments, crediting her mentor with helping her develop a strategic approach to studying and research.

“My mentor has not only offered academic advice but has also been a source of motivation and encouragement, which has been instrumental in my growth,” she said. “Seeing how my mentor balances coursework, research and extracurricular involvement has inspired me to refine my own study habits and career goals.”

As a student in the Tiered Mentoring program, Neha Patel recalls a key piece of advice from her peer mentor, Miranda Brainard: ‘Not everything works out on the first try, and that’s okay. What matters is persistence.’

Lessons from the lab

A highlight of their mentorship journey is their shared research on acorn ants and how these tiny creatures adapt to climate change. Each student plays a vital role in collecting and analyzing data, making it a true collaborative effort driven by peer-to-peer support and shared academic passion.

From the experience, Patel could recall a key piece of advice from Brainard that has stuck with her: “Not everything works out on the first try, and that’s okay. What matters is persistence.”

This lesson has been crucial in the lab, where experiments don’t always yield expected results, reinforcing the idea that setbacks are part of both the scientific process and personal growth.

From precision in the lab measuring samples to collaboration in the field collecting tiny insects, Miranda Brainard guides students through mentorship and teamwoirk as they study acorn ants and climate change.

After all, Brainard takes her approach from her own mentor.

“Dr. Londraville has the perfect balance between answering questions and carving a path for us while being pretty hands-off in letting us find answers to questions ourselves,” she said. “Now, I do the same thing — I help students to find answers, but I don’t give them.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.